Davenport benefit held for family affected by October shooting in Hebron

DAVENPORT, NE – It’s been less than four months since a shooting in Hebron left Davenport native and 28-year-old Remington Elting dead and his brother, 33-year-old Reuben, in critical condition.

While Reuben continues his recovery at home after spending several weeks in the Bryan Hospital ICU, some family friends spearheaded a benefit on the Elting family’s behalf over the weekend.

Angela Brase, along with her husband Mitch, organized the event. Brase told News Channel Nebraska on Monday night the final numbers on money raised and attendance.

Brase says 475 people attended the Elting Family Benefit and Meal on Sunday at the Davenport Communuty Building.

Over $35,000 was raised during a live and silent auction. The event was also sponsored by the Bruning-Davenport FCCLA and the Davenport Volunteer Fire Department.

Both Remington and Reuben Elting are alums of Bruning-Davenport High School.

“Our hope with this benefit was to alleviate some of the stress of the medical bills that were accumulated as a result of his injuries,” Brase said. “My husband (Mitch) is on the Davenport Fire Department. Remington, who passed away, was on the fire department. Thet wanted to do something for the Elting family. The FCCLA chapter wanted to do something as well. The forces kind of joined together.”

Brase’s daughter, Sera, is co-president of the Bruning-Davenport FCCLA, and was key in helping set up the event.

While the late-October shooting was a traumatic experience for Hebron and the surrounding communities, Brase is grateful for the generosity and support from friends and neighbors.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response by everybody in a 3-4 county radius,” she said. “I think it shows the true power of small communities when tragedies happen and how they kind of come together to help each other out.”

Michael Lewis of Hebron pleaded not guilty on Dec. 4 in Thayer County District Court to two felony charges – first degree assault, and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony. Both charges carry a maximum of 50 years in prison.

Lewis was arrested on Oct. 29. after the Thayer County Sheriff’s Office and Hebron Rescue were called to a residence in the 600 block of Jefferson Avenue in Hebron at 3:25 a.m. on Oct. 27.

Lewis’ attorney argued on Nov. 9 that his client was just protecting himself from three individuals breaking into his home.

The attorney also said that Lewis is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, a home owner who has full-time work, and has no prior criminal history. He cited these as reasons why Lewis is not a flight risk.

Lewis was initially due back in court on Feb. 5, but the case got continued to Apr. 5.